The College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) at Syracuse University is one of the few arts colleges in the nation that has in-house career development for students.
The Office of Academic and Career Advising supports undergraduate and graduate students in all stages of their professional journey. Offerings include resume/cover letter reviews, developing an outstanding LinkedIn profile, finding an internship or job, networking tips, preparing for interviews, and guidance on career discernment.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions!
Meet the Career Development Team
In-house career advisors assist making your dreams a reality. Career advisors maintain close partnerships with industry leaders and alumni, connecting them to students through classroom presentations, information sessions, networking events, career fairs, on-campus interviewing, and more.
Jackie Flores | Assistant Director of Career Development
Niki Swackhamer | Career Advisor
Caitlin Albright | Career Development and Immersion Specialist
The Office of Academic and Career Advising conducts events targeted toward preparing students for career development events and beyond. Events include, but are not limited to, on-campus and virtual career fairs, alumni panel discussions and presentations, employer interviews, and portfolio reviews.
To stay updated on career events happening throughout the semester, log in to Handshake, and click on the "Events" tab.
One-on-One Meetings
Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a career counselor through Handshake.
Classroom Presentations and Workshops
Our office offers virtual and in-person workshops and classroom presentations! Potential topics include, but are not limited to:
Resume/cover letter tips and tricks
Interview preparation
How to prepare for a career fair
Job search strategies
Social media presence, such as LinkedIn
Immersion Trips
An experience aimed at getting students outside of their comfort zone! Students become immersed in an opportunity to network with alumni and employers within their job setting while building professional relationships to further enhance their career goals.
Dependent on University travel protocols, we will offer an intercity immersion experience to upper-class students each year. We are also introducing a local immersion experience for first-year students! Students interesting in attending immersions must apply, meet specific guidelines, and comply with all requirements to become and remain eligible for each trip.
Drop-In Hours
Starting in the fall of 2022, you can find VPA Career Services in locations outside the office! We will hold drop-in hours around campus in locations such as the Schine Student Center, South Campus Athletic Centers, and the National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC)!
To stay updated on drop-in hours and locations throughout the semester, log in to Handshake, and click on the "Events" tab.
Orange Around Town
Are you new to Syracuse? Looking to build social and professional connections? Want to learn more about careers in the arts? Join us for Orange Around Town! Orange Around Town is open to all VPA students: domestic and international, undergraduates and graduates. It's a fun way to build relationships between students, connect them with local professionals, and offer career support. All events are free, and we will provide transportation for an off-campus excursions. Bring a friend, and join us for some fun!
Check out our upcoming events and register on Handshake via the links:
VPA Connect is our very own alumni mentorship program! It connects current student and recent graduates with active members of our alumni network, living and working around the globe. Our office helps match students with their mentors. From there, alumni offer career guidance and advice, provide insights into the current internship and job markets in their industries, assist with interview preparation, and more.
Interesting in seeking out a mentor?
">Reach out to us today!
Being ___ in the Workplace
This academic year, we are introducing a new virtual series called Being ____ in the Workplace! The ____ will be filled in each month with a different identity, and students are invited to come and speak with alumni and industry professionals regarding that piece of their intersectional identity in the workplace! Topics during each session include: exploring your identity in your work, what to look for in an employer, how to protect your peace and your power, and how to advocate for yourself in the workplace. Additionally, students will have the chance to ask their questions, too!
Check out our upcoming events and register on Handshake via the links:
